PREFACE 



This publication contains the presentation papers given at a symposium 

 on the response of insects to induced light, sponsored by the Agricultural 

 Research Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, which was held at 

 the Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, February 3 and 4, 

 I960. For the purposes of this symposium the radiant energy considered was 

 defined as visible, ultraviolet, and infrared electromagnetic radiations having 

 a wavelength range of 2,000 to 1,000,000 Angstrom units. Between 80 and 90 

 scientists attended this symposium as representatives of Federal and State 

 research and regulatory agencies and industrial companies. 



The speakers discussed the nature of light sources; methods of applying 

 induced light to influence insect response; the effects of light characteristics 

 on insect response; the physiology of insect response to light; effects of 

 species; effects of environment and physiological development on insect 

 responses; and the possibilities and limitation of light traps for use in insect 

 detection, prediction, and control. 



It is hoped that both the symposium and this publication of the presenta- 

 tion papers will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship of 

 light to insect responses and will stimulate further basic and applied research, 

 leading to greater use of radiant energy in meeting insect problems. 



